Montgomery, Ala.

David Bundy / Montgomery Advertiser/AP

The Bullet 580, the world's largest inflatable airship, stands in Garrett Coliseum after an inflation test and fit check. The airship will be flight-tested later in the summer and will carry a joint NASA and Old Dominion University payload that will measure moisture content in soil. In addition to government research work, the airship can be used for military, homeland security and disaster relief missions. It is designed to carry payloads of up to 2,000 pounds to 20,000 feet.

The Bullet 580, the world's largest inflatable airship, stands in Garrett Coliseum after an inflation test and fit check. The airship will be flight-tested later in the summer and will carry a joint NASA and Old Dominion University payload that will measure moisture content in soil. In addition to government research work, the airship can be used for military, homeland security and disaster relief missions. It is designed to carry payloads of up to 2,000 pounds to 20,000 feet. (David Bundy / Montgomery Advertiser/AP)

The Bullet 580, the world's largest inflatable airship, stands in Garrett Coliseum after an inflation test and fit check. The airship will be flight-tested later in the summer and will carry a joint NASA and Old Dominion University payload that will measure moisture content in soil. In addition to government research work, the airship can be used for military, homeland security and disaster relief missions. It is designed to carry payloads of up to 2,000 pounds to 20,000 feet.